Baker selects new vice president

Bill McCollum has been selected as vice president for university relations at Baker University, Daniel M. Lambert, president, announced today. McCollum previously served as assistant dean for administration at Baker's School of Professional and Graduate Studies based in Overland Park.

McCollum fills the position occupied by Jerry Weakley, who becomes vice president for endowment and planned giving, a new position at the university.

As vice president for university relations, McCollum will be responsible for alumni services, all fund-raising programs and will be a member of the president's administrative council.

Lambert said McCollum's knowledge of the university and experience in financial, personnel and operations management makes him an outstanding choice for the position.

"Bill has the skills necessary to effective leadership," Lambert said. "I especially value his strategic planning experience and ability to mentor and develop his colleagues."

Lambert said that Weakley's new responsibility reflects Baker's commitment to serve its constituency and build the university's long-term strength.

"Jerry has done an outstanding job guiding our alumni and fundraising efforts, and over the past few years has been preparing himself for this move," Lambert said. "He is now one of the most prepared planned giving officers with whom I've ever worked."

Weakley served as the school's alumni director for 10 years before becoming vice president for university relations in 1991. He earned his bachelors degree and Master of Business Administration degree from Baker.

McCollum has worked for four years at the University's School of Professional and Graduate Studies, following a 24-year career in the U.S. Army, from which he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He has an undergraduate degree in marketing from Arkansas State University and an MSBA from Boston University. He is currently working on an Ed.D. degree from the University of Sarasota. He has also studied at both the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Air Force War College.

McCollum said he looks forward to his new challenges.

"This is a great opportunity," McCollum said. "I look forward to working with an excellent group of people and gaining an understanding of how we can better serve our alumni, friends and donors."